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State animal of Maharashtra (Indian giant squirrel) - complete detail. Description of State animal of Maharashtra. Name of the State animal of Maharashtra is Indian giant squirrel. Habit and habitat of Indian giant squirrel. They prefer mixed deciduous, most evergreen, tropical and rain forests. They are arboreal, and spending most of its time in trees.

The weight of Indian giant squirrel is between 1.5 to 2.0 kg. Head to body length measures about 25 to 45 cm. The length of tail about 20 to 40 cm. Color of body is deep red to brown, and have white furs in the belly area. The underparts and the front legs are usually dirty white or cream colored. Ears of an Indian Giant Squirrel are short and round.

They have pronounced and broadened hands with an expanded inner paw for gripping. Cheeks, chest, front of the forelimbs and underparts are white, cream or orange in color. The eyes are bright dark or light brown. The nose and lips are pink in color. They have some long hairs behind the nose and mouth. The tail is long and strong, the color of tail is light brown to creamy white on the tip. Both sexes are almost similar, but females can be distinguished from males by their three sets of mammae.............

Males actively compete for females during the breeding season and pairs may remain associated for longer periods of time. They are wary and shy in nature. Breeding occurs throughout the year, or several times during the year. Average number of offspring is 1 or 2. The gestation period is between 29 to 35 days.

Distinctive Identification

Indian giant squirrel is a Schedule - II animal, according to wildlife (Protection) act, 1972 and classified as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.

The weight of Indian giant squirrel is between 1.5 to 2.0 kg. Head to body length measures about 25 to 45 cm. The length of tail about 20 to 40 cm.

Indian giant squirrel is one of the world's most beautiful squirrel. They have two or three tone color scheme with shades of black, brown, and deep red.

Color of body is deep red to brown, and have white furs in the belly area. The underparts and the front legs are usually dirty white or cream colored.

Ears of an Indian Giant Squirrel are short and round. They have pronounced and broadened hands with an expanded inner paw for gripping.

Cheeks, chest, front of the forelimbs and underparts are white, cream or orange in color. The eyes are bright dark or light brown.

The nose and lips are pink in color. They have some long hairs behind the nose and mouth. The tail is long and strong, the color of tail is light brown to creamy white on the tip.

Both sexes are almost similar, but females can be distinguished from males by their three sets of mammae.

Classification

Common Name - Indian giant squirrel

Local Name - Shekru

Zoological Name - Ratufa indica

Kingdom - Animalia

Phylum - Chordata

Class - Mammalia

Order - Rodentia

Family - Sciuridae

Genus - Ratufa

Conservational Status - Schedule - II, according to wildlife (Protection) act, 1972 and classified as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.

The Indian giant squirrel is endemic to India. They found in deciduous and most evergreen forests of peninsular India. They also found in Satpura hill range of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

They prefer mixed deciduous, most evergreen, tropical and rain forests. They are arboreal, and spending most of its time in trees.

Indian giant squirrel is omnivorous, they feed on fruits, flowers, nuts, bark, bird eggs, and insects. They prefer tall profusely branched trees for the construction of nests.

It generally stays high in the forest canopy, rarely leaving the trees. Using its long tail for stability, this squirrel can leap from tree to tree

The Giant Squirrel's large tails used for balancing, and allowing to move about quickly, running and jumping on surprisingly thin branches very high in the forest.

They are wary and shy in nature. They lives alone or in pairs. They travels from tree to tree with jumps of up to 6 meter.

They are mostly active in the early hours of the morning and in the evening, and resting in the midday.

They build large globe-shaped nests of twigs and leaves, placing them as possible in the trees. They also used tree holes as shelter.

An individual will often have 2 to 5 nests in a small area of forest which are used as sleeping quarters, with one being used specifically for giving birth and nursing the young.

Breeding occurs throughout the year, or several times during the year. Males actively compete for females during the breeding season and pairs may remain associated for longer periods of time.

Average number of offspring is 1 or 2. The gestation period is between 29 to 35 days. The average lifespan of Indian giant squirrel is 20 years.

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State animal of Maharashtra (Indian giant squirrel) - detail

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State animal of Maharashtra (Indian giant squirrel) - complete detail. Description of State animal of Maharashtra. Name of the State animal of Maharashtra is Indian giant squirrel. Habit and habitat of Indian giant squirrel. They prefer mixed deciduous, most evergreen, tropical and rain forests. They are arboreal, and spending most of its time in trees.

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Black Panther or Melanistic Leopard is a color variant of Indian leopards reported from densely forested areas of south India, mostly from the state of Karnataka.Melanistic leopards also known as the ghost of forest are more commonly found in dense tropical rain forest of Karnataka,Kerala and Assam, most famous wildlife sanctuaries to spot Black Panther in India are Anshi-Dandeli Tiger Reserve and Kabini wildlife sanctuary.

There are very few more incident in the other states of India where Black Panther has been spotted for the first time such as Black panther spotted in Mhadei wildlife sanctuary, Black panther spotted for first time in Punjab,Black panther sighted for first time in Kaziranga and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary and Black panther captured live in Assam.

Road Kill, A black panther killed on the Satara-Karad highway in Maharashtra near Khindwadi Village of Satara district. Image source:conservationindia

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary along with neighboring Anshi National Park is declared as Anshi Dandeli Tiger Reserve, located in Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka. The reserve is famous for the sightings of the elusive Black Panther in the state and also known to house the Indian Sloth Bear,Giant Malabar Squirell,Indian Elephant,Indian bison and King Cobra snake.

Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary is the best wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka and one of the famous wild destination in south India. The wild park of Kabini is located near Mysore in Karnataka and houses a number of endangered and rare wild animals including Black Panthers,Indian leopards, Tigers, Indian bison, mugger crocodiles and Indian rock python.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary has a wide range of flora and fauna,surrounded by the scenic hills and slopes of the Mullayanagiri hills. The sanctuary is declared as a Project Tiger Reserve and one of the best biodiversity hotspot in Karnataka, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare black leopard, pangolin, porcupine, Malabar giant squirrel and 33 Royal Bengal Tigers.

Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in biodiversity,located on the banks of the river Sharavati. A part of the Sharavati river basin was declared as a Sharavathi wildlife sanctuary which is home to unqiue wildlife of black panther,mouse deer,king cobra,monitor lizard and species of hornbill and paradise flycatcher birds.

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is a Biosphere Reserve in Assam,located in the Himalayan foothills. The wildlife park is known for its rare and endangered endemic wildlife such as the Pygmy Hog,Golden Langur,Wild water buffalo,hog deer and the most rare black panthers.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary also known as Thekkady is the South India's most popular wildlife sanctuary and an example of nature's bounty with great nature and rich bio diversity. The park is home to rare, endemic and endangered flora and fauna including Black Panther,jungle cat, sloth bear, Nilgiri tahr and also a few of White tigers.

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Western Ghats in Goa and regarded as a Global Biodiversity Hotspot. The park is noted for waterfalls, landscape, endemic species of amphibians,rare black panther,Indian civet and all of the Big Four venomous snakes of India.

Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, Chhattisgarh

Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh state has become the new home to Black Panthers in India, recently 4 black panthers, a mother and her three cubs, were spotted in Achanakmar wildlife sanctuary.

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Wildlife Sanctuaries to Spot Black Panther in India

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Black Panther or Melanistic Leopard is a color variant of Indian leopards reported from densely forested areas of south India, mostly from the state of Karnataka.Melanistic leopards also known as the ghost of forest are more commonly found in dense tropical rain forest of Karnataka,Kerala and Assam, most famous wildlife sanctuaries to spot Black Panther in India are Anshi-Dandeli Tiger Reserve and Kabini wildlife sanctuary.

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Description

Kesar is India's second mango variety in terms of exports. In terms of flavour, it is second only to Alphonse, which many describe as the best on the planet! Kesar is a small to medium fruit with a roundish shape and a distinct curved tip. It has a relatively unexciting in appearance, having skin that is a dull, slightly mottled yellow colour, perhaps with a green tinge when less mature. Inside it is a different matter: a deep yellow-orange flesh, smooth and fragrant with intense sweetness - you will not be disappointed when they are in peak condition. There can be a slight acid edge to the flavour is less mature fruit, but many people will enjoy this complexity. The medium sized stone has minor fibre attached which does not detract from enjoyment.

In July, 2011 the Gir Kesar received the distinction of a GI (Geographical Indicator) tag (GI no.185) from the Geographical Indication's Registry in Chennai.

Ripeness & Quality: Kesar are ready to eat when the fruit is tender with a overall softness coming through the thin peel. Avoid fruit with excessively soft patches, or bruised or compressed areas. A little wrinkling of the skin is of no concern, and often means the fruit is at peak eating quality.

A Kesar with advanced ripeness may occasionally suffer from 'sponginess' of the flesh, which is immediately obvious on cutting the fruit open and can be scooped out and discarded.

Grown in: Gujarat, India. The Gir Kesar is grown in specific geographical region around Gir forest in Junagadh and Amreli districts. It is grown in various talukas, such as: Junagadh, Vanthli, Mendarda, Talala, Maliya, Kodinar, Una and Visavadar of Junagadh district, and Dhari and Khambha talukas of Amreli district.

April: Gujarat, India (usually from mid April)

May: Gujarat, India

June: Gujarat, India

July: Gujarat, India

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Kesar is India's second mango variety in terms of exports. In terms of flavour, it is second only to Alphonse, which many describe as the best on the planet! Kesar is a small to medium fruit with a roundish shape and a distinct curved tip.

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The tiger is the big cat the country usually obsesses over. A National Tiger Conservation Authority is tasked with the protection of India's national animal. There are 50 tiger reserves and these enjoy a high level of protection. Of the Rs 555 crore the Centre set aside for wildlife habitat development in 2018-19, two-thirds were for tiger conservation. Naturally, therefore, the death of a tiger or a change in its population is widely reported.

But in the past month, another big cat has been all over the news, and for all the wrong reasons. Since September 12, 24 Asiatic lions have died in the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat, the only place in the world where the species is found now. (African lions are found in the sub-Saharan region.)

At least four of them were found to have had canine distemper virus (CDV), which affects a range of wild animals, and seven were discovered to have had a protozoan infection, transmitted by ticks. Infighting has also been cited as a cause of death, but it is not clear how many lions died due to this. Thirty-six lions are under observation, with three being treated for protozoan infection, according to Dushyant Vasavada, chief conservator of forests of the Junagadh wildlife circle, which includes Gir. Twenty one of the 27 lions tested, out of the 36, have also tested positive for CDV.

The deaths have again brought to the fore a 25-yearold demand of wildlife activists - move some of the lions to the Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh - to avoid exactly the kind of deaths that are happening. An epidemic or natural calamity can wipe out a species if the population is concentrated in one area. Under such circumstances, translocating is a way to protect a species. But the efforts of the activists have not been successful due to reasons that are seemingly political.

In April 2013, the Supreme Court asked the Union government to translocate some lions to Kuno. It said, while hearing a petition, the Asiatic lions existed in a single sub-population and were vulnerable to extinction from unpredictable events, such as an epidemic, a large forest fire, etc. "An outbreak of possible epidemic or natural calamity might wipe off the entire species. A smaller population with limited genetic strength are more vulnerable to diseases and other catastrophes in comparison to large and widespread population," the court said. But the Gujarat government has citied one reason on the other and not moved any lions. A few days ago, Vijay Rupani, chief minister of Gujarat, said the lions were "completely safe" in Gir and would not be relocated.

The state's reluctance to move the lions, considered "Gujarat's pride", to the Madhya Pradesh sanctuary is purely political, says Bhikhu Batawala, a lion conservation activist. It has nothing to do with doubts about the act of translocation itself, which has been effective in most cases in India and other countries. "Some translocation projects are discussed a lot," says Ravi Chellam, a conservation biologist who has studied Gir's lions extensively. "But translocation happens almost on a daily basis as part of our wildlife management for a very wide range of species in India, which is not well known."

All Eggs In A Basket
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature ( IUCN), translocation is the human-mediated movement of living organisms from one area to another. It is done to enhance or reduce populations of some species, to improve ecosystems, to reduce human-animal conflict or for recreational or commercial purposes. Translocation in the wild in most cases is referred to as reintroduction, as translocating a species to an area that is not a part of its indigenous range can have extreme adverse ecological, social or economic impacts. Done properly, it can help grow the population of a species. Translocation has seen great success in South Africa, says Matthew Hayward, associate professor at Australia's University of Newcastle. From 1979, several thousands of animals have been translocated successfully.

India accounts for only 2.4% of the world's land area, but has 7-8% of all recorded species. Of the 5,739 Indian animal species evaluated by the IUCN, 80 are critically endangered, 210 endangered and 401 vulnerable. The Asiatic lion was critically endangered till 2008, but has since been upgraded to the endangered category. Its population has nearly doubled from 327 in 2001 to around 600 in 2018 at Gir, spread across 1,400 sq km. This means twice the number of lions will have to make do with the same area, making them more prone to diseases and infighting. "It's like putting 600 eggs in one basket," says wildlife biologist Faiyaz A Khudsar, who filed a public interest litigation in the Supreme Court calling for the translocation from Gir.

Overcrowded sanctuaries also force lions to roam outside the protected area. In 2016 and 2017, for example, 32 of the 184 lion deaths were due to unnatural causes.

Diseases can also wipe out the lions. A 1,000 lions, or a third of the population in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, died of CDV in 1994. "Given that it is already an inbred population with much reduced genetic diversity, Asiatic lions have to be managed even more careful," says Chellam, who was on the expert committee appointed by the Supreme Court to help with the translocation.

A 1995 report coauthored by Chellam had identified three sites, including two in Rajasthan, for translocation from Gir. But it finally settled on Kuno. The Madhya Pradesh government then resettled more than 1,500 families in 24 villages outside Kuno to make space for the lions.

But Gujarat, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was chief minister between 2001 and 2014, has continued objecting to the translocation. The state cited, among other reasons, the lack of an adequate prey base - the assemblage of animals in an area that a predator can consume - in Kuno and the presence of a few tigers there.

Experts have countered these claims. In fact, the prey density per sq km in Kuno is 80, compared with 56 in Gir. The biomass of the prey base in Kuno is 3,520 kg, a fourth higher than in Gir, according to a 2012 study presented to the Supreme Court.

India has had several successful reintroduction efforts for tigers, rhinos, swamp deer and ghariyals. The Panna Tiger Reserve in MP had lost all its tigers to poaching by 2008. Six tigers from Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench (all in MP) were reintroduced in Panna between 2009 and 2014. The tiger count in Panna has since reportedly risen to around 30. The Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan has 17 tigers now after the reintroduction of eight from Ranthambore, also in Rajasthan, between 2008 and 2012. The first inter-state tiger translocation, from MP to Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Odisha, is underway. Reintroduction also helped the Manas National Park in Assam, which was badly affected in the Bodoland conflict from the 1980s to the early 2000s. Since 2006, 27 rhinos have been reintroduced from Kaziranga and Pobitora sanctuaries, among others, and in 2014-15, 36 eastern swamp deer were translocated from Kaziranga. HK Sarma, field director of Manas, says the park will also get 40 spotter deer from Chhattisgarh by 2020 in exchange five female wild buffaloes. Six orphaned elephant calves, raised at a rescue and rehab centre, were also translocated to Manas earlier this year. Several gharials, a critically endangered species, have also been reintroduced into the Ganges and Beas after being reared in captivity.

Conservation Tool
While translocation for purposes for conservation is recommended, the same cannot be said for mitigating animal attacks on humans. "Moving problem animals is a fairly ineffective solution to human-wildlife conflict," says Hayward.

Vidya Athreya, an ecologist with the Wildlife Conservation Society-India, concurs. Following attacks on people, 29 leopards in the human-dominated rural parts of Junnar in Pune district were moved to forests 40 km away. But attacks on humans near the release site went up, a research paper she coauthored revealed. She says it's harder to move adult wild animals than young ones. "They (adults) have site fidelity. They know where their resources are."

While translocation may not be the answer to reduce human-animal conflict, there is enough evidence that, done right, it is an effective conservation tool. Will Gujarat's pride prejudice the lions?

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What's stopping the Asiatic lions of Gir from getting a new home?

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The tiger is the big cat the country usually obsesses over. A National Tiger Conservation Authority is tasked with the protection of India's national animal. There are 50 tiger reserves and these enjoy a high level of protection. Of the Rs 555 crore the Centre set aside for wildlife habitat development in 2018-19, two-thirds were for tiger conservation.

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Asiatic lioness in Gir forest, Gujarat.

The Gir sanctuary in Gujarat is the last abode of Asiatic lions.

The Asiatic lions seem to be in danger, especially after carcasses of 14 lions, including cubs, were found between September 11 and 25 from Gir (east) forest range.

Nine of these were found in the Dalkhaniya range and two were recovered from the Jashadhar range.

Forest department formed 54 teams to screen lions to find out if they are suffering from any disease.

One lioness died during treatment conducted by the team of officials.

What is the reason behind the death of these 14 lions? Was a foul play involved?

Most of the deaths are due to infighting and injuries caused thereby, mainly affecting cubs and females. This trend is being noticed over a period of three to four years.

No foul play or suspicion is suspected, said Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) for wildlife, A K Saxena.

All about the Asiatic lion

Nearly all wild lions live in Sub-Saharan Africa, but one small population of Asiatic lions exist in India's Gir Forest

Asiatic lions and African lions are subspecies of the same species

Asiatic lions split from African lions perhaps 100,000 years ago

Lions are the only social cats that live in groups, called pride. Pride are family units that may include up to three males, a dozen or so females, and their cubs

All of a pride's lionesses are related and female cubs typically stay with the group as they age. Young males eventually leave and may establish their own pride by taking over a group headed by another male

How many lions are currently living in the Gir forest?

Asiatic lions once prowled from the Middle East to India. Now, only a fraction of these magnificent animals survives in the wild.
As against 411 lions in 2010, the population reached 523 in 2015, showing a growth rate of over 27 per cent in five years, according to another PCCF GK Sinha.
At least 200 of these lions are living in unprotected areas outside sanctuaries.

The heavily protected Gir sanctuary has the ability to support a specific and often fixed number of species, which is 300 lions.

Due to this, the lions started moving out of Gir in 1995 as the population exceeded the capacity.

What are the other reasons behind the death of Asiatic lions?

The average lifespan of these lions is between 15 and 16 years, but many become old after nine or 10 years

Around 60 per cent of the lions die of natural causes. According to local officials, 184 Gir lions died in 2016 and 2017

32 deaths were caused by unnatural causes. These include electrocution and being hit by speeding vehicles and trains while crossing highways and railway tracks

Lions in the area have also drowned after falling in open village wells

In 2016, Ram, one of India's oldest and most popular lions died from old age in Gir.

Measures drafted by the central government to protect the Asiatic lions

Senior advocate Hemang Shah, appointed as an amicus curiae by a division bench, submitted a report to the Gujarat High Court suggesting the following measures:

1. Stopping illegal mining around Gir sanctuary

2. Penalising people who put up electric fences around their fields and properties. Also, criminal cases involving such persons should be 'fast-tracked by hearing them on a day-to-day basis without the provision of any adjournment.'

3. Installation of cameras and speed guns at every 500 metres to ensure vehicles passing through roads near the Gir forest do not knock down lions.

4. The entire area falling within the eco-sensitive zone should be declared as no mining zone. If there are any open mining pits then the same should be forthwith be filled.

It is expected that the suggestions listed in the report would be discussed during the next hearing of the case scheduled on October 3, 2018.
Also read| Fossils of an ancient extinct marsupial lion found in Australia Also read| World's largest freshwater pearl, Sleeping Lion, sold for the second time in 240 years Interested in General Knowledge and Current Affairs? Click here to stay informed and know what is happening around the world with our G.K. and Current Affairs section.
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14 Asiatic lions die in Gir: Facts about Gir lions and protection measures taken by govt

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Asiatic lioness in Gir forest, Gujarat. The Gir sanctuary in Gujarat is the last abode of Asiatic lions. The Asiatic lions seem to be in danger, especially after carcasses of 14 lions, including cubs, were found between September 11 and 25 from Gir (east) forest range.

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Mp

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State animal of Madhya Pradesh - complete detail - updated. Description of State animal of Madhya Pradesh. Name of the State animal of Madhya Pradesh is Barasingha. Habit and habitat of Barasingha. They prefer tall grasslands and open habitats. They found in swampland and a variety of forest types ranging from dry to moist deciduous to evergreen. They also found in grassy floodplains, wooded areas, and found near water bodies.

The weight of male Barasingha is between 150 to 280 kg, and weight of female is between 120 to 170 kg. Head to body length measures about 160 to 185 cm. Body color is generally bright orange to dense brown, fading to a lighter brown on the sides and belly, with a dirty white or white on the inside of the legs, rump, and underside of the tail. The head is short and strong and the ears are long and broad. Legs are strong and high. They have long and broad hooves. Underparts are white or dirty white in color....................

Males being slightly darker than females. They have log hairs around its neck. Hairs are rather woolly and orangish brown above but paler below, with white spots along the spine. It coat becomes darker during the mating season. There is a dark dorsal stripe, on each side of which may be a row of light spots. During the summer, some populations develop faint spots on the back and sides........

Breeding season extends from September to April. During this season males attempt to gather harems of up to 30 females. Male will fight with other males for possession of the harem and the right to breed, and a loud 'roaring' call is often heard during this time, as well as a 'hee-haw' roar.

Distinctive Identification

Barasingha is a Schedule - I animal, according to wildlife (Protection) act, 1972 and classified as Vulnerable (VU) by the IUCN.

The weight of male Barasingha is between 150 to 280 kg, and weight of female is between 120 to 170 kg. Head to body length measures about 160 to 185 cm. The length of tail about 10 to 20 cm. They are about 110 to 124 cm high at the shoulder.

Body color is generally bright orange to dense brown, fading to a lighter brown on the sides and belly, with a dirty white or white on the inside of the legs, rump, and underside of the tail. Males being slightly darker than females.

They have log hairs around its neck. Hairs are rather woolly and orangish brown above but paler below, with white spots along the spine. It coat becomes darker during the mating season.

There is a dark dorsal stripe, on each side of which may be a row of light spots. During the summer, some populations develop faint spots on the back and sides.

The head is short and strong and the ears are long and broad. Legs are strong and high. They have long and broad hooves. Underparts are white or dirty white in color.

Males have large antlers, which may grow up to 1 meter in length, and have a crown-like look with the points concentrated near the tips of the arching antler beam. They have a concentration of six to eight points near to the tips. Adult male can have 10 to 15 tines.

Classification

Common Name - Barasingha / swamp deer

Local Name - Barasingha

Zoological Name - Rucervus duvaucelii

Kingdom - Animalia

Phylum - Chordata

Class - Mammalia

Order - Cetartiodactyla

Family - Cervidae

Genus - Rucervus

Conservational Status - Schedule - I, according to wildlife (Protection) act, 1972 and classified as Vulnerable (VU) by the IUCN.

They found in central and northern India and southern Nepal.

In India, they found in Himalayas, Assam, Jumna River, Ganges River, Brahmaputra River, Madhya Pradesh, Utter Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh.

They found in Kanha National Park, Dudhwa National Park, Manas National Park, and Kaziranga National Park.

They prefer tall grasslands and open habitats. They found in swampland and a variety of forest types ranging from dry to moist deciduous to evergreen. They also found in grassy floodplains, wooded areas, and found near water bodies.

Barasingha is a herbivorous animal. They feed on various types of grasses, aquatic plants, and leaves. They drinks atleast twice a day during the summer season. They feed throughout the day with peaks during the mornings and late afternoons to evenings.

They are social animals, normally found in small groups of similar gender and age (5 to 20 individuals). Sometime found in large groups (up to 60). When alarmed, they give out shrill, baying alarm calls.

Breeding season extends from September to April. The age of sexual maturity is between 2 to 3 years.

Barasingha's are polygynous. During this season males attempt to gather harems of up to 30 females. Male will fight with other males for possession of the harem and the right to breed, and a loud 'roaring' call is often heard during this time, as well as a 'hee-haw' roar. Females come into estrus once a year.

The gestation period is between 240 to 250 days. They give birth to single calves, female barasingha will wean her young between 6 to 8 months of age. Males are not involved in providing for or protecting the young. The average lifespan of Barasingha is 20 years.

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State animal of Madhya Pradesh - complete detail - updated

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State animal of Madhya Pradesh - complete detail - updated. Description of State animal of Madhya Pradesh. Name of the State animal of Madhya Pradesh is Barasingha. Habit and habitat of Barasingha. They prefer tall grasslands and open habitats. They found in swampland and a variety of forest types ranging from dry to moist deciduous to evergreen.

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Flora and fauna of Madhya Pradesh - Wikipedia

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Madhya Pradesh is often called the Heart of India, is a state in central India. Its capital is Bhopal. Madhya Pradesh was originally the largest state in India until November 1, 2000 when the state of Chhattisgarh was carved out. It borders the states Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan.

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Madhya pradesh wild life

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animals in the national parks of madhya pradesh

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kanha bandhavgarh pench panna satpura national park in madhya pradesh

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list of the national parks in madhya pradesh

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wildlife in madhya pradesh, national parks in Madhya Pradesh, nature parks in madhya pradesh, tiger reserves in madhya pradesh, madhya pradesh wild life

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information on wildlife in Madhya pradesh, details on national parks in Madhya Pradesh, national parks and tiger reserves in madhya pradesh,

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Biodiversity of Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady, Idukki, Kerala, India | Kerala Tourism

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Evergreen and semi-evergreen forests constitute the major part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

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Welcome to the Official Website of West Bengal Biodiversity Board

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A series of wildlife mishaps have been taking place across the globe such as the killing of animals for tribal rituals, poaching for human possessions and animal abuse ultimately leading to their vulnerability and endangerment. But, we can sign in relief with the fact that the wildlife crisis is being handled by the concerned wildlife departments.
West Bengal has had a couple of difficult years handling the animal-human conflict as there has been a major rise in poaching in past years. But the efforts of conserving the wildlife and its habitat is constantly put on a pedestal by the concerned forest officials, state governments and various NGOs. Some of the biggest wildlife success stories that helped in conserving wildlife were of One-Horned Rhinoceros and Elephant habitat. With the animal population in West Bengal, like rhino population soaring to 255 in 2015 and the elephant population to 708 in 2014, it is noted to be the highest in West Bengal so far. When we talk about India's national animal, the Tigers also show healthy population as witnessed through the camera trap technology installed in all wildlife reserves in West Bengal according to the blog post by All India Trinamool Congress .

In 2012, for the first time in West Bengal a census for crocodiles was performed but talking about the ugly truth of wildlife, there have also been a few downfalls during animal conservation acts. As per Mongabay, back in 2016 Environment Day, a group of locals were caught in the East Midnapore district of West Bengal with a bag full of small animals and birds and also species like monitor lizards and the Bengal's state animal fishing cat. After interrogating, it was disclosed that it was for the local festival of Jyeshtha Amavasya or the new moon festival celebrated by the tribals in West Bengal. This is just one of the many issues that wildlife face and other existing issues that lead to wildlife endangerment are because of the growing human population in India, growth of industrialisation, climate change and habitat loss.

The Wildlife Protected Areas in West Bengal

Information Source: https://goo.gl/v7yrrM

Rescue and Rehabilitation Missions of Wild Animal in West Bengal

West Bengal's wildlife administration is actively involved in missions to save animals through their rescue and rehabilitation projects. One of the projects involved in relocating the Jackals in West Bengal. Often Jackals linger around Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport disturbing the operational runways and it has become a major threat to the wildlife. Through the rehabilitation project, the forest department aims to relocate the Jackal population away from the airport. This is an ongoing project that will be active until 2019 check it out here. The Wildlife Wing of Forest Directorate aims to return the stranded species in the city or other places to their original habitat. To avoid the man-animal conflict, the wildlife department in West Bengal maintains a rescue squad in various places in Kolkata to help rehabilitate the wild and also assist in animal medical treatment.

Between 2012 - 13, the animals rescued are given in the chart below:

Information Source: https://goo.gl/LuzVww

Conservation Schemes and Awareness Programmes

The Wildlife Wing, Directorate of Forests also organises wildlife awareness programmes and even training classes in various educational fields. In 2012, Wildlife Quiz Contest to generate wildlife awareness were organized where 22 schools participated. To build a wildlife learning experience for children, Wildlife Wing in association with Kids for Tiger and SHER was also organised in the year 2012. A short video of tiger conservation or a call to action film made by conservation filmmaker, Shekar Dattatri titled 'The Truth about Tigers' was also shown, you can check out the documentary here.

The Wildlife Wing is also implementing on sponsored schemes for states wildlife and habitat conservation. Let us read about the various schemes implemented by Wildlife Wing. The State Plan Scheme oversees the annual fund received for the maintenance of forest protection, control of poaching, plantations, timber operation and conservation in wildlife reserves. National Parks and Sanctuaries Schemes come directly from the centre for the development of national parks and sanctuaries, there are used for habitat development, animal protection, developing infrastructure and eco-development.

The Government of India provides 100 percentage funds for the Project Tiger that is implemented in Buxa Tiger Reserve and Sundarban Tiger Reserve. And the central government sponsors 100 percent fund for the conservation of elephant in West Bengal. The establishment of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve and conservation of Sundarban Mangroves are also funded centrally. There is a new scheme to protect the forests called Integrated Forest Protection Scheme that is 75 percent funded by the government of India and 25 percent contribution by the government of the state.

Seizure of wildlife in West Bengal during the year 2012-13

Information Source: https://goo.gl/Fz5UGc

Important aspects of the Biodiversity Conservation in West Bengal

The states entire 4064 sq.km. of forests is a protected area with 34 percent belonging to West Bengal and 4.54 percent to the geographical area. The state has one Biosphere Reserve, two Tiger Reserves, five National Parks and fifteen Wildlife Sanctuaries. Let us read how the biodiversity conservation in West Bengal is protected.

Protection of Wildlife and their Habitats: The topmost priority given to the animals is the protection of the habitat and control of poaching. Regular patrolling of the wildlife is conducted by foot, elephants back, jeeps and even on speedboats in Sundarbans. In order to protect the wildlife further, there are major steps taken to strengthen protection measures for animals like modifying the weapons of the wildlife guards, building wildlife squads, installation higher watchtower etc.

Habitat Improvement Programme: Habitat is an important element for the wildlife to sustain and the development of wetlands and water holes have been put on top priority. This program aims to maintain ground fire speaking of which, Grassland Management is one of the important activities in two of the forests, Terai and Dooars in West Bengal. In order to increase the fodder base of herbivores, indigenous grasses plantation are regularly done.

To reduce Man-Animal Conflict: Maintaining the development of corridors for large animals like Elephants are highly looked after just so no train accidents are witnessed. Many fences are build in order to avoid animals from entertaining human settlements.

Research and Monitoring: Regular monitoring of animals in the wildlife is conducted in various protected and reserved areas in West Bengal. An official census or count of tiger population in Project Tiger reserves is conducted every two years and every four years in the rest of the areas as per central government rules. Periodic monitoring of forests in West Bengal is done with various application for proper mapping using GIS technology.
The conservation of wildlife and its habitat is a serious matter worldwide and the state of West Bengal is not far behind safeguarding the species. Here are the ways that the people of the West Bengal supported Wildlife Conservation:
India alone has a wide range of biodiversity and because of its geographical distribution stretching from the snow-covered mountains to the desert, grasslands and wetlands, there are around 2,50,000 species across the country. And in West Bengal alone you can find rich flora and a wide range of fauna due to the suitable habitat that starts from the Himalayan bed to the delta region of the wildlife UNESCO Wildlife site Sundarbans. Below you can scroll through the wildlife success stories that West Bengal conquered over the years.

The conservation of the Red Pandas in Darjeeling, West Bengal

The conservation of the state animal of Sikkim, Red Panda was first started by Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling called 'The Project Red Panda.' This was done for the ex-situ conservation which means outside their natural habitats under Global Red Panda Management Plan in 1990. The project started its journey with just 6 Red Pandas from various zoos all over the world and based on their genotype are released in the forest under in-situ Management Programme. On 15 August 2003, two Red Pandas were released at Gairibas, a soft release centre later into the wild on 14 November same year followed by the same process in 2004. This has been a positive response from Project Red Panda.

Efforts to save the One-Horned Rhinos in West Bengal

Due to the efforts by the conservationists in West Bengal, there had been no poaching news of One-Horned Rhinoceros since 2009 until 2018 when a rhino was killed and dehorned at Jaldapara National Park on February 5. According to The Hindu, in the year 2013, the rise of the rhinos in West Bengal increased to about 25 percent since 2011. The same year also witnessed a steady rise of One-Horned Rhino population in Kaziranga National Park, Assam. Besides West Bengal's Jaldapara and Gorumara National Parks, One-Horned Rhinoceros are also located in two different reserves in Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal and Patlakhawa Forest in Cooch Behar. As per the WWF India's senior coordinator for rhino conservation, Amit Sharma, the shifting of some rhino species was done so that the animals can have enough space for connectivity and healthy gene pool. According to The Wire, it is agreed upon by many conservationists that if endangered species are scattered in different parks, it is less likely that natural calamities like floods would affect these species. Since 90 percent of the One-Horned Rhinos dwell in Kaziranga National Park, Assam making them vulnerable to catastrophes like floods or poaching. Through all the major efforts done by West Bengal conservationists, Jaldapara National Park has the second largest rhino population in India after Kaziranga National Park in Assam.

Information Source: https://goo.gl/g75BxX

Sundarban National Park and the Ways of Conserving the Mangroves

Sundarbans National Park is located on a shared boundary of India and Bangladesh and it serves as a refuge for multiple animal species like tigers, crocodiles, monitor lizard, turtles and dolphins. However, the mangroves present here acts as a natural barrier against the destructive cyclones that often occur towards the north of Bay of Bengal. And in order to conserve the mangroves, the conservationists and a couple of NGOs like Mangrove Action Project are building strategies to generate awareness and the importance of mangrove forests in protected regions. The West Bengal Tourism also organises boat cruises to various tourist interest sites and of course at the Mangrove Interpretation Centre at Sajnekhali where the visitors can explore and learn about the different species found in Sundarbans. In addition, even the people of the nearby villages like Lakshmipur are committed to protecting the mangroves. One of the villagers spoke to Nature Environment and Wildlife Society, 'Badabon (The mangrove) saved our village many times from being washed away by these harsh river, we are committed to protecting it, whatever that may cost.

Conserving Vulture Population and Handling the Crisis Faced

According to a wildlife website, Wild Bengal, the population of Vultures are drastically declining and in order to conserve these species The VCBC, Rajabhatkhawa, Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal started its conservation in December 2005 by introducing the first vulture on March 2005. Today, there are around 16 vultures present in the complex. The reserve houses 12 Slender billed, 3 White backed and 1 Himalayan Griffon all collected from the states of Assam and West Bengal.

The Success of Conserving the Forests in West Bengal

Conserving forest is perhaps far more important because it balances wildlife and even climate change we are facing. In Bengal, the forest department manages 11,879 sq km of forests and the years between 2011 and 2017 saw some notable achievements. Between these years, the forest development aforestated 72,697 ha of land and also worked on conserving the soil. Towards the end of 2016, Project Clean Ganga was also launched to conserve the Gangetic Dolphins. New wildlife enclosures were also built for the conservation of red panda and even snow leopard in Topkey Dara in Darjeeling. Emphasising on the conservation in West Bengal, two new wildlife sanctuaries were added in 2013, West Sunderbans Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 556 sq km for the species of Sundarbans in Parganas district and Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary located in Gajoldoba, Jalpaiguri district in North Bengal covering an area of 14.09 sq km to protect exotic aquatic species and migratory birds.

These are some of the measures the people of West Bengal are marching towards and since the climate change is hampering the coastal areas of the state, the sea levels are increasing hampering the Sundarbans and the dwelling animals. The locals in the state are however fighting to save wildlife by installing certain cages as mentioned above for rehabilitation of nocturnal species that lurk in the cities. The wildlife conservation is important and it is often brought into light by educating not just in the cities but rural areas as well, since most of the hunting and animal-human conflict lingers in places near the forests. For example, the incident that occurred when the tribal people killed many endangered animals and other small species to follow the ritual, such barbaric acts must be put to a 'STOP' in order to give a healthier life to the endangered and vulnerable animals in West Bengal and all over the world.

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Conserving Wildlife and its Habitat in West Bengal

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A series of wildlife mishaps have been taking place across the globe such as the killing of animals for tribal rituals, poaching for human possessions and animal abuse ultimately leading to their vulnerability and endangerment. But, we can sign in relief with the fact that the wildlife crisis is being handled by the concerned wildlife departments.

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India has several marine national parks and sanctuaries, which are protected by the law. In India, there are marine national parks like Gulf of Kutch (Gujarat), Gulf of Manner (Tamil Nadu) and several around Andaman Islands.

Similarly, there are marine sanctuaries in West Bengal and the Bhitarkanika and Nalavan sanctuaries in Chilika in Odisha. life can be found in the deepest and darkest corners of the ocean but most of the creatures are found in three main areas, which are known as most rich biological hub of marine ecological systems. (1) The surface water of the sea, where the sun light is very prominent. Millions of microscopic plants and animals are found in this region. (2) Region of bio-diversification is the shore and deep waters, where many types of free swimming fish are noticed. Commonly, all the oceanic mammals are noticed within these zones.

The Indian Ocean is very rich in bio-diversification. The entire globe has seven types of oceanic turtles but five types of such species are noticed in the India Ocean alone. Out of the five species, four species come to the sea shore for making nests, especially in sand beds. The Indian Ocean is known as Turtle Paradise. Four species like leather back turtle, the green turtle, the hawks bill turtle and Olive Ridley are available in this ocean.

The Olive Ridley turtles come to Odisha coast for nesting and breeding every year. The Olive Ridley feeds on fish, shrimp, crabs and snails. It is the commonest turtle along the Indian coasts. The species, although lives in different depths of water, it comes ashore to lay eggs on the sandy beaches. The marine turtles are now declared as endangered species. They are killed for meat, fat, shell and skin, including the eggs. The eggs are in great demand. The leather back turtle is the largest and rarest of sea turtles. It has a leathery covering instead of shell. The leather back is a deep-sea feeder. It lives mainly on Jellyfish. The Jellyfish are to be protected for survival of the leather back turtles. Due to habitat destruction caused by sea poisoning and mechanized fishing, the population of Jellyfish is drastically reduced. The leather back turtle is mainly noticed around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. As the name suggests, the colour of green turtle is dirty green. The shell and the flesh of this turtle are green. It is generally noticed in shallow seas. It feeds mainly on marine algae and sea grass. large nesting site is found near Karachi, including Gulf of Manner and lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The head and beak of the hawk bill turtle is that of a bird. It lives mainly on coral reefs and nests on the shores of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The species is widely distributed in the ocean water.

The most flourishing bio-diversifications of plants and animals are noticed within the mangroves and that of habitat of coral reefs.

In Odisha coast, there are three marine sanctuaries, such as Bhitarakanika, Gahirmatha and Nalabana. These are very potentially rich sanctuaries of wet land ecology. The Bhitrakanika sanctuary is a national park. There are 381 estuarine villages within the sanctuary - cum national park region, where about two lakh people reside.

The minimum winter temperature is around 10 degree C and summer temperature goes up to 43 degree C. The common animal species are various cats like leopard, fishing cat, jungle cat etc. Other than cats, Hyena, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Porcupine, Dolphins, Pythons, King Cobra, salt water crocodiles, white crocodiles, water monitor lizard, terrapins marine turtles etc are also found. Besides animals, the bird species like Kingfishers, Wood Peckers, Horn bills, Bar headed goose, Brahmani ducks, Pin tails, White belled sea eagles, and a variety of resident and migratory birds are found there. This is a paradise of nesting birds. There are other cultural trails and spots to enjoy the magnificent ecological systems. There is an ancient Shiva temple within the sanctuary, which exists since Darbar regime. Another feature of the sanctuary is its silted lotus pond. The lotus species is now almost going to be extinct from Odisha as the silted ponds are converted into urban and semi-urban land. The residual floristic land of Bhitarkanika brings immense pleasure in the minds of the visitors. Similarly, in the east shooting tower of Kanika Raja is another attraction. The shooting tower can be converted in to a watch tower-cum -holiday home for the tourists for enjoyment of the bio-sphere.

Another attraction of the sanctuary is meadows, which become the home of all classes of herbivores. Both carnivores and herbivores can be witnessed from the tower erected over the meadows.

The Gahirmatha sanctuary is a part of the Bhitarkanika geo-physiographic structure. This extends along the coast from Nasi Island in the north east to Telanga Muhan (Mahanadi mouth) in the south west. The sanctuary extends over 20 km into the sea. It has been created to protect the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles, dolphins and other marine flora and fauna. Gahirmatha coast is used by lakhs of Olive Ridley sea-turtles for mass-nesting. Besides Olive Ridley, other animals like dolphins, jackals, hyena, fishing cat, crocodile, water monitor-lizard, tarns, vultures and winter migratory birds are found.

The Nalaban sanctuary is a part of the Chilika lagoon. Chilika as such spreads over vast wet land in the districts of Puri, Ganjam and Khurda. The famous Irrawaddy Dolphin and many species of migratory birds are found here. The lake is studded with small fascinating islands and sandy beaches interspersed with casuarinas groves along the Bay of Bengal. This estuarine sanctuary is famous for 95 species of migratory birds, besides varieties of reptiles such as snakes, lizards and aquatic mammals. During 1989-90 two million birds visited the lake. The Zoological Survey of India estimated in 1985-87 that there are 800 species of fauna within the lagoon wetland, which is a paradise of aquatic fauna and avifauna. This was declared as Ramasar site in 1981 under the conservation of wet lands of international importance as water fowl habitat. The limbless skink, a typical lizard of tropical Africa and Asia is also found in the Chilika islands.

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Odisha marine sanctuaries are rich in biodiversity

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India has several marine national parks and sanctuaries, which are protected by the law. In India, there are marine national parks like Gulf of Kutch (Gujarat), Gulf of Manner (Tamil Nadu) and several around Andaman Islands. Similarly, there are marine sanctuaries in West Bengal and the Bhitarkanika and Nalavan sanctuaries in Chilika in Odisha.

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The elephant population of Similipal is the major surviving concentration of the Central-Indian population. The cat fauna, including the many colour aberrations noticed in tigers and the occurrence of black panthers, are of academic and conservation interest. The cats comprise of Fishing cat, Jungle cat, Leopard cat, and the Leopard.

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Odisha's unique location in Peninsular India has blessed it with an interesting assemblage of floral and faunal diversity. With an unindented coastline of nearly 480 km, drained by several large and perennial rivers, altitudinal variation from sea level up to 5000 feet above MSL, varied geography and the confluence of two major biogeographic provinces of India--the Eastern Ghats and Chhotanagpur Plateau-make Odisha a rich biodiversity repository.

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BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha Biodiversity Board (OBB) has decided to conduct biodiversity study of various sanctuaries in the state.
The board will document all the plant and animal species, including endemic and endangered ones, during the study. This apart, the board has also identified 20 places with rich biodiversity to be developed as eco-tourism sites, said officials on the occasion of International Biodiversity Day here on Monday.

"It is time we start preserving and protecting our biodiversity or we will perish sooner or later," said forest and environment minister Bijayshree Routray. Sustainable tourism is one of the solutions to create awareness about biodiversity among the communities and also to preserve them, he added.

The biodiversity study of Debrigarh sanctuary was conducted recently, while a similar study of Mandasur and Similipal are on, official sources said. "In the course of the study, we found some endemic species which are unique to this sanctuary. We also found some other species, which have become endangered over the years. The study will help in chalking out the action plan for conservation and protection of bio-diversity in the state, said J P Singh, chairman of OBB.

Sources said OBB has formed as many as 1050 bio-diversity committees and 80 People's Biodiversity Registers to identify and promote protection and promotion of sustainable tourism in bio-diversity sites.

Over 80 blocks have been covered by the people's bio-diversity registers which involves local community members. This initiative will not only help develop eco-tourism sites, but also create employment opportunities for them, Singh said.

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Odisha Biodiversity Board study to assess biodiversity of sanctuaries - Times of India

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BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha Biodiversity Board (OBB) has decided to conduct biodiversity study of various sanctuaries in the state.The board will document all the plant and animal species, including endemic and endangered ones, during the study. This apart, the board has also identified 20 places with rich biodiversity to be developed as eco-tourism sites, said officials on the occasion of International Biodiversity Day here on Monday.

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Chhattisgarh State, lying in the Vindhyan hill regions and Deccan plateau in central India, has over 44% of its land area under forests and is rich in biodiversity. 7.8 Million indigenous and tribal communities eke out their livelihood from these forests and biological resources. These forests are also the origin of major rivers - Mahanadi, Indravati and Narmada. Chhattisgarh has three national parks, eleven wildlife sanctuaries and three tiger reserves, and has endangered fauna like Wild Buffalo (Babulus babulis arnee), the state animal Of Chhattisgarh. The State's forests and biodiversity face a number of threats from agriculture, industrial and urban expansion, unsustainable collection of fuel wood, harvesting of medicinal plants and Non-timber forest products (NTFPs), diversion of forest lands for non-forestry purposes, and grazing. The importance of ecological research cannot be underestimated in a State like Chhattisgarh where sustainable management of biodiversity becomes important for the livelihood of local people and the State's rural economy.

However, there is little evidence of good ecological research in the State, and not many scientific publications on the State's flora and fauna, biodiversity status and conservation challenges are available. The Zoological Survey of India has only recently completed a detailed biodiversity survey in the national parks and sanctuaries in the State. There is hardly any information available on the density of tigers and abundance of prey animals in the three tiger reserves. The paucity of research makes decision making and management of forests very hard. Environment Impact Assessment reports cannot be accurately compiled. In the absence of authentic evidence to show the presence of rare and endangered species of conservation importance, decision making on diversion of forest lands for non-forestry purpose often goes in favour of project proponents. The development of wildlife management plans becomes difficult. Human-elephant conflict in north Chhattisgarh is rising where it is unable to derive conflict mitigation strategies, due to lack of information on elephant movement, habitat use and corridors.

There is a clear need for involvement of premier research institutions from outside the State. The myth that forest department is unwelcoming and that there is a threat of left wing extremism should be put aside. The UNDP successfully completed a GEF funded programme on involving local communities in biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of medicinal plant areas. Unfortunately, much of ecological research in India focuses on charismatic species and biodiversity hotspots like Western Ghats and northeast, without much focus in regions like Chhattisgarh. But valuable research contributions can be made by ecologists for the State of Chhattisgarh, to address the different issues discussed in this article.

About the author

Dhanapal G

Dhanapal is presently working in Chhattisgarh to support the State government in implementation of the State Action Plan on Climate Change. After his Masters degree in Environment Management from FRI Dehradun, he has worked on several environmental projects and ecological studies with UNDP, AECOM, WCS-India and WII.

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Chhattisgarh - A Neglected Area on Ecological Research

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Chhattisgarh State, lying in the Vindhyan hill regions and Deccan plateau in central India, has over 44% of its land area under forests and is rich in biodiversity. 7.8 Million indigenous and tribal communities eke out their livelihood from these forests and biological resources.

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The overall objective of the Telangana Forest Department is to conserve biodiversity and eco-systems of forests and wilderness areas to ensure water security and food security of the state. Wildlife and wildlife habitats should be conserved and sustainably managed to meet the social, economic, ecological, cultural, recreational and spiritual needs of the present and future generations of people in the state.

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Divine Destinations

Visit and invocate your deity and enjoy the divine benediction.

Heritage Spots

Visit Telangana, the confluence of two distinct culture streams.

Nature Discovery

Discover nature in its pristine avatar and rhythm, and enjoy the enthralling beauty.

Ramappa Temple

Kakatiya era temple, representing the rich legacy and pride of Warangal District is a wonderful monument.
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Elgandal Fort

The spires of the Elgandal Fort or Elagandula Khilla stand tall into the sky, piercing their way out to narrate the stories of its glorious past from the skyline of Karimnagar...
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Falaknuma Palace

A visit to the Falaknuma Palace is like retracing the paths of Nizams, walking in step with the European royalty..
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Golconda Fort

Golconda Fort is located in the western part of Hyderabad city and is about 9 km from the Hussain Sagar Lake...
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Manjira Wild Life

The charm of Telangana's wildlife in all its glory and splendour thrives in natural habitat, in unison with nature.
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Telangana Tourism - Visit for all reasons & all seasons

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Visit and invocate your deity and enjoy the divine benediction. Visit Telangana, the confluence of two distinct culture streams. Discover nature in its pristine avatar and rhythm, and enjoy the enthralling beauty. Kakatiya era temple, representing the rich legacy and pride of Warangal District is a wonderful monument.

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http://www.discoveredindia.com/jammu-and-kashmir/heaven-on-earth/flora-and-fauna-of-jammu-and-kashmir.htm http://www.kasheeronline.com/kashmir-flora-fauna.asp

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At least 30 species of animals and plants in Jammu and Kashmir are on the verge of extinction, according to a latest notification issued by Union ministry of environment and forest (MoEF).

The species-10 animals and 20 plants-have been categorised on the basis of recommendations of the state government. Officials said the notification will make the Centre legally bound to fund projects for protection of these species.

The 10 animal species are Hangul, Markhor, Tibetan Wild Dog, Kashmir Musk Deer, Chiru, Tibetan Gazelle, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Tahr, White backed vulture and Western Tragopan.

Hangul, the state animal of Jammu and Kashmir has been categorised as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of threatened species in 1996.

The endangered 20 plants species of J&K are Aconitum chasmanthum, Aconitum deinorrhizum, Aconitum heterophyllum, Aconitum kasmiricum, Aconitum violaceum, Eremostachyssuperba, Gentianaornata ,Gentianakurro, Lagotiscashmeriana, Meconopsislatifolia, Meconopsis aculeate, Saussureacostus, Saussurea medusa, Saussureasimpsoniana, Sophoramoorcroftiana, Podophyllumhexandrum, Dactylorhizahatagirea, Picrorrhizakurroa, Betulautilis and Taxuswallichiana.

The notification states that collection of the species of these plants and animals shall be prohibited, except with the approval of the Jammu and Kashmir State Biodiversity Board only for the purposes of scientific research, herbarium and museum of scientific and academic institutions, propagation and any other scientific investigation.

It states that the Jammu and Kashmir State Biodiversity Board shall undertake studies on all aspects of the notified species for holistic understanding, propagation of the notified species for the purpose of conservation and rehabilitation.

The board has also been entrusted to organise awareness programmes and provide educational materials on notified species for forest department personnel, biodiversity management committees, ecotourism programmes, and forest dwellers and tribals.

BM Sharma, former director State Forest Research Institute (SFRI), who was instrumental in formation of the list of endangered animals and plants, said the notification will make it legally binding for the Government of India to fund projects for protection of endangered animal and plant species.

He said based on advice of experts, the state government has to make recommendations regarding endangered species and animals to the Government of India.

"However, the matter was pending in J&K since 2008 while 20 other states have long ago completed the process," Sharma said.

The list of 10 endangered animals and 21 plant species was prepared by an expert committee under the chairmanship of principal chief conservator of forests/chief wildlife warden in 2017.

The Botanical Survey of India had advised it to exclude four species considering their present status. The Zoological Survey of India had agreed to only seven species out of 10 species of animals.

"After threadbare discussion, the expert committee finalized 20 plant and 10 animal species which are threatened and needed to be notified under section 38 of the Biological Diversity Act 2002," said Sharma who also served as a member secretary of State Biodiversity Board.

Director SFRI, NP Singh, said research will be conducted to increase production of endangered species of plants. "There are natural and other factors responsible for decline of several plant species in Jammu and Kashmir. We will take scientific measures to prevent these from extinction," he said.

Wildlife experts termed the notification as a good move to protect the endangered animals. "The notification will give protection to endangered animals from legal perspective. If there was any violation, earlier, we could not defend it in court of law in absence of placement of endangered animals in particular schedule," said a retired wildlife officer.

DrAnzar A Khuroo, senior assistant professor Centre for Biodiversity and Taxonomy, Kashmir University, said several endangered plant species including Trillium govanianum, Rheum emodi, Fritillariaroylei and Aconitum chasmanthum and many others have been left out of the list.

"As preparing lists of threatened species is a dynamic process, government should in future undertake broad-based scientific consultation before coming out with such lists of threatened species because such decisions have huge conservation and socio-economic implications," he said.

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30 animal, plant species on verge of extinction in J&K

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At least 30 species of animals and plants in Jammu and Kashmir are on the verge of extinction, according to a latest notification issued by Union ministry of environment and forest (MoEF). The species-10 animals and 20 plants-have been categorised on the basis of recommendations of the state government.

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uttarakhand geography - geography of uttaranchal india

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Uttarakhand Geography - Geography of Uttaranchal India

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Explore about the Geography of Uttarakhand -the Mountains, Topography and Biodiversity of Uttarakhand through this article.

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Table of Contents

Relief

The Aravalli (Aravali) Range forms a line across the state running roughly from Guru Peak on Mount Abu (5,650 feet [1,722 metres]), near the town of Abu in the southwest, to the town of Khetri in the northeast. About three-fifths of the state lies northwest of that line, leaving the remaining two-fifths in the southeast. Those are the two natural divisions of Rajasthan. The northwestern tract is generally arid and unproductive, although its character shifts gradually from desert in the far west and northwest to comparatively fertile and habitable land toward the east. The region includes the Thar (Great Indian) Desert.

The southeastern area lies at a somewhat higher elevation (330 to 1,150 feet [100 to 350 metres]) than its northwestern counterpart; it also is more fertile and has a more-diverse topography. The hilly tract of Mewar lies in the southern region, while a broad plateau stretches across the southeast. In the northeast a rugged badlands region follows the line of the Chambal River. Farther north, the landscape levels out into flat plains that are part of the alluvial basin of the Yamuna River.

Drainage

The Aravallis form Rajasthan's most-important watershed. To the east of the range, the Chambal River-the only large and perennial stream in the state-and other waterways generally drain toward the northeast. The principal tributary of the Chambal, the Banas River, rises in the Aravallis near the great Kumbhalgarh hill fort and collects all the drainage of the Mewar plateau. Farther north, the Banganga, after rising near Jaipur, flows east toward the Yamuna before disappearing. The Luni is the only significant river west of the Aravallis. It rises near the city of Ajmer in central Rajasthan and flows some 200 miles (320 km) west-southwest into the Rann of Kachchh in Gujarat state. Northeast of the Luni basin is an area of internal drainage characterized by salt lakes, the largest of which is Sambhar Salt Lake. Farther to the west lies the true Marusthali ("Land of the Dead"), the barren wastelands and areas of sand dunes that form the heart of the Thar Desert.

In the vast, sandy, and arid northwestern region, soils are predominantly saline or alkaline. Water is scarce but is found at a depth of 100 to 200 feet (30 to 60 metres). The soil and sand are calcareous (chalky). Nitrates in the soil increase its fertility, and cultivation is often possible where adequate water supplies are made available.

The soils in central Rajasthan are also sandy; clay content varies between 3 and 9 percent. In the east the soils vary from sandy loam to loamy sand. In the southeast they are in general black and deep and are well drained. In the south-central region the tendency is toward a mixture of red and black soils in the east and a range of red to yellow soils in the west.

Climate

Rajasthan has a wide range of climate that varies from extremely arid to humid. The humid zone spans the southeast and east. Except in the hills, the heat during the summer is intense everywhere, with temperatures in June-the warmest month-typically rising from the mid-80s F (about 30 °C) to nearly 110 °F (low 40s C) daily. Hot winds and dust storms occur in the summer, especially in the desert tract. In January-the coolest of the winter months-daily maximum temperatures range from the upper 60s to the mid-70s F (low to mid-20s C), while minimum temperatures are generally in the mid-40s F (about 7 °C). The western desert has little rain, averaging about 4 inches (100 mm) annually. In the southeast, however, some areas may receive almost 20 inches (500 mm). Southeastern Rajasthan benefits from both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal branches of the southwest (summer) monsoon winds, which bring the bulk of the annual rainfall.

Plant and animal life

The predominant vegetation of Rajasthan is scrub jungle. Toward the west there are typical arid-zone plants, such as tamarisk (genus Tamarix) and false tamarisk (genus Myricaria). Trees are scarce, limited mostly to small, scattered forest areas in the Aravallis and in the eastern part of the state. Less than 10 percent of Rajasthan is under forest cover.

A number of notable large mammals are regular residents of Rajasthan. Tigers are found primarily in the Aravallis. Leopards, sloth bears, Indian sambar (dark brown Indian deer), and chital (spotted deer) occur in the hills and forests. Nilgais (bluebucks; large antelope) are also found in parts, and blackbucks are numerous in the plains. Common birds include snipes, quail, partridges, and wild ducks; they occur everywhere except in the desert. The northwestern part of the state is well known for several species of sandgrouse.

Numerous sanctuaries and wildlife parks have been established in the state. Among the most important of those are Sariska National Park (established 1955), near Alwar in the northeast; Desert National Park (1980), near Jaisalmer in western Rajasthan; and Keoladeo Ghana National Park (1981), in the eastern part of the state near Bharatpur-the latter designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985.

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Rajasthan | History, Map, Capital, Population, & Facts

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Rajasthan, state of northwestern India. Before 1947 it comprised some two dozen princely states and chiefships. After 1947, when India achieved independence from British rule, the princely states and chiefships were integrated into India in stages, and Rajasthan assumed its present name. The capital city is Jaipur.

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Maharashtra
https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/biodiversity-boost-researchers-find-3-new-species-in-mumbai-21-in-maharashtra-in-2016/story-QN4TbX6rkTOSOC2WaJbzEJ.html
http://www.discoveredindia.com/maharashtra/land-of-rocks/weather-in-maharashtra.htm

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information about wildlife of maharashtra

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list of wildlife sanctuaries in maharashtra

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Wildlife of Maharashtra| Flora and Fauna of Maharashtra

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Maharashtra is home to some of the exotic and rare species of wildlife that are protected in the well-maintained wildlife sanctuaries and reserves. These places are visual delight for animal lovers.

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Flora and Fauna of Kerala are hugely supported by the rich soil

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https://www.britannica.com/place/Punjab-state-India

http://www.discoveredindia.com/punjab/the-green-granary-of-india/flora-and-fauna-of-punjab.htm

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http://www.madhya-pradesh-tourism.com/wildlife/madhya-pradesh-flora.html

http://www.bandhavgarh.co.in/flora-fauna.html

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http://www.discoveredindia.com/gujarat/gujarat-the-land-of-the-legends/flora-and-fauna-of-gujarat.htm

http://www.gujaratexpert.com/flora-fauna-gir-national-park/

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https://www.indianetzone.com/14/flora_fauna_uttar_pradesh.htm

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Uttar Pradesh has plenty of natural resources. Diverse flora and fauna exist in state despite of indiscriminate deforestation and poaching. In the belt of temperate mountainous forests, species of reptiles, insects, mammals and trees are found.

Common birds which are found in Uttar Pradesh are sparrows, parakeets, songbirds, quails, kingfishers, woodpeckers, blue jays, comb ducks, parrots, snipes, black partridge, peacocks, junglefowl, doves, bulbuls and house sparrows. Due to the availability of sunlight, shrubs, herbs and grasses are also abundant in the state.

Large and small species of fauna survive in the Ganges as well as in its tributaries. In 2011, the forest area in Uttar Pradesh was recorded to be 16,583 km2. It is about 6.88 per cent of the geographical area of the state. The famous Bird sanctuaries in Uttar Pradesh are National Chambal Sanctuary, Hastinapur Sanctuary, Bakhira Sanctuary, Chandra Prabha Sanctuary, Okhla Sanctuary and Kaimoor Sanctuary.

The upper Gangetic plain is known for the growth of moist deciduous trees. Tropical thorny forests along with thorny trees are found in the south western parts of Uttar Pradesh. Reptiles in the state include cobras, lizards, ghariyals and kraits. Some animals in the state have become extinct and some are in the verge of extinction. Some of the common fishes in the state are trout and mahaseer.

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Uttar Pradesh has plenty of natural resources. Diverse flora and fauna exist in state despite of indiscriminate deforestation and poaching. In the belt of temperate mountainous forests, species of reptiles, insects, mammals and trees are found.

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https://in.pinterest.com/sanctuaryindia/flora-and-fauna-of-tamil-nadu/?lp=true

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Rajasthan has been blessed with varied flora and fauna even when majority of its area is desert. The forest cover is also quite limited, despite these adversities, some unique flora and fauna can be witnessed. Northern Desert Thorn Forest type natural vegetation is found in this state. This vegetation is found in form of small clumps which are scattered in the state in open forms. As rainfall increases when we move from west to east, the size and density of these patches increases.

Desert ecosystem is prominently seen in Rajasthan and one of the best examples to witness the same is the Desert National Park located in Jaisalmer. This park is sprawled in an area of 3162 square km. One can see diverse fauna in this ecosystem. The desert's geological history can be traced back to its origin through the massive tree trunks and sea shells that have been fossilized here. Many resident as well as migratory birds have made this region their home. Kestrel, falcons, eagles, vultures, harriers and buzzards can be commonly seen. Tawny Eagles (Scientific Name- Aquila rapax), Short toed Eagles (Scientific Names- Circaetus gallicus), Laggar Falcons (Scientific Name- Falco jugger), Spotted Eagles (Scientific Name-Aquila clanga) and kestrels are some of the most commonly seen birds in this region.

Another worth visiting place is the Ranthambore National Park. It is located in Sawai Madhopur and is considered to be a prominent Tiger Reserves in India. In 1973, this National Park became an integral part of Project Tiger.

Rare and unique herbs are found grown in Dhosi Hill area. It is situated in Jhunjhunu region. This place is also famous as Chyawan Rishi's Ashram" and this is where Chayawanprash was first formulated. This formulation is considered to be good for health. In Alwar district, another popular reserve is located, namely Sariska Tiger Reserve. About 107 km from Jaipur and 200 km away from Delhi, this reserve is famous among wild life lovers. This reserve is sprawled in about 800 square km area. In 1979, Tiger Reserve was declared as a National Park.

Located in Churu district, in Sujangarh another sanctuary is located. It is famous as Tal Chhapar Sanctuary. Nestled amidst Shekhawati region, this sanctuary houses a large populace of desert foxes and blackbuck. A popular predator, caracal, also referred to as the desert lynx can also be seen here. Prominent birds found in this region are sand grouse and partridge. Locally known as Godavan, the Great Indian Bustard is the state bird of Rajasthan. Since 2011, it has been declared as an endangered species.

On the eastern side of Aravali range, a sparse forest cover can be seen. It is just nine percent of the total state area. Thus, limited vegetation can be witnessed in the desert area. Here, trees with stunted growth, some grasses and thorny shrubs can be seen. Besides Northern Desert Thorn Forest type natural vegetation, another vegetation type seen here is ephemeral. It is seen only during monsoon season.

The most prolific vegetation seen in this state is Kejri or prosopis cineraria. This is found majorly in arid zone. Its shape is bean like and is known as sangria. It is not only used as fodder but also consumed as vegetable. It is considered as a delicacy in Rajasthan. Another popular desert vegetable is ker. Variety of shrubs and akaro (scientific name- calotropis precera) are also found in abundance. Since this is desert vegetation, the shrubs have a lot of thorns. Other plants growing here are thor (Scientific name- euphorbia caduca), babul (Scientific name- acacia nilotica), bordi (Scientific name-sizypus nummularia) and anwal (Scientific name- cassia aureculata). Some perennial grass species seen here is dhaman (Scientific name- cenhrus cikaris), sewan (Scientific name- lasiurus sindicus), bharut (Scientific name- cenchrus catharficus) and boor (Scientific name- cenchrus jwarancusa). These species not only help in binding the soil together but are also good fodder for cattle.

Creeper, shrubs, herbs and bushes dot the shallow wetland landscape in Eastern Rajasthan. Khejri (Scientific name- prosopis cineria) and babul (Scientific name- acacia nilotica) are seen in Keoladeo National Park. More than seventy species of trees can be seen in the Ranthambore National Park. Some prominent species are peepal (Scientific Name- ficus religlora), Dhak (Scientific Name- butea monosperma), ber (Scientific Name- zizyphus mauritiana), banyan (Scientific Name- ficus bengha lensis) and khajur (Scientific Name- phoenix sylvestris). 13 shrub varieties, 30 grass species and more than 100 medicinal species can be seen here. In Mount Abu which is a hill area, species like bamboo (Scientific name- dendor calamus strictus), salar (Scientific name- bowellia seriata), dhav (Scientific name- anogeisrus pendula) and jamun (Scientific name- syzygium cumini) are found. Rare species of wild roses, ferns and orchids can also be seen here.

In neighboring areas of Jaipur, dhav can be found in abundance. Other plant species see here are thor, solar, guggal, godal, shatawari, brahmi and adusa.

A vivid spectrum of faunal wealth can be witnessed in Rajasthan. Here, one can see variety of reptiles, mammals and bird life. In various areas of this state, gazellas and antelopes are found. Jodhpur region is widely inhabited by Black Bucks (Scientific name- Kala hiran) and in sandy deserts, one can find Indian Gazelle (Scientific name- chinkara). In open plains, one can easily spot blue bull or nilgai. They can also be seen close to Aravalli range.In hilly regions, four-horned antelope (Scientific name- chau singha) can be spotted. Forests where open meadows in patches can be seen, spotted deer and sambar can be seen roaming around. In monkey family, langur and rhesus macaque (Common name- Bandar) can be seen close to Aravalli Range. Indian Tiger is the best representative of cat family in this state. Tigers that are now declared endangered species can be witnessed in National Parks of Sariska and Ranthambhore. Panther or leopard is another species that is threatened. They are found close to Aravallis rocky outcrops and open countryside located in Jodhpur region. Caracal and Jungle Cat can also be seen. In dog family, wolf, jackal and desert fox can be seen.

In erstwhile times, Maharajas used to hunt wild boar as this was one of their leisure activities. Wild boar can be seen close to Mount Abu. In Ranthambhore's deciduous forests, Sloth bear can also be spotted. Small sized mongoose and common mongoose can also be seen in arid regions. These creatures live on birds, rodents and snakes. In reptile family, Indian chameleon, Indian python and garden lizard can be seen.

Ghariyal and crocodile can be seen in abundance in the lakes and rivers of this state. Many migratory birds also visit Rajasthan. The prominent among these is Siberian Crane that travels more than 6000 km to reach Bharatpur. In Keoladeo National Park, more than 375 bird species can be spotted. The black-necked stork which is tallest bird in the world can also be seen here. Black in colour, it is about 1.8 metres tall. At Sambar and Khichan, demoiselle cranes can also be seen. Grey patridge and Indian Bustard are rare species that can be seen in forests of Rajasthan,

Wildlife Attraction

A wide array of Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks also dot state landscape. The main wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Rajasthan are Sariska Tiger Reserve located in Alwar, Keoladeo National Park located in Bharatpur, Desert National Park situated in Jaisalmer and Ranthambore National Park located in Sawai Madhopur. For tiger population, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary and Ranhambhore National Park are famous all over the world. Avid photographers and wildlife enthusiasts love to visit these reserved areas to spot this huge beast in its true splendor. Major wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan are Darrah Sanctuary, Mount Abu Sanctuary, Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhensrod Garh Sanctuary, Jaisamand Sanctuary, Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary and Jawahar Sagar Sanctuary.

Aerial Population

In Rajasthan, more than 450 bird species have been identified. These species include birds that found their habitat in wetlands, forests, desert and grasslands. Hornbills, orioles, swallows, kingfishers, parakeets, mynas, warblers, robins, doves, flycatchers, barbets, quails, peacocks, drongos and woodpeckers are housed in Aravalli range. One of the most significant bird sanctuaries in India is Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary. Wetlands are also found in Eastern Rajasthan. The prominent migratory birds seen in this state are herons, spoonbills, open bills, storks, egrets and ibis. They visit this stay during winters. Common marbled, pintail, Baikal teal, gadwell, coot, shoveler, bar-headed geese, wigeon and graylag geese are included in waterfowl's category. The guests coming in winters are Siberian cranes while saras lives permanently in this park. Besides saras, egrets, moorhens, cormorants and storks can be spotted.

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Rajasthan has been blessed with varied flora and fauna even when majority of its area is desert. The forest cover is also quite limited, despite these adversities, some unique flora and fauna can be witnessed. Northern Desert Thorn Forest type natural vegetation is found in this state.

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Uttrakhand fauna (animals) and flora (plants)

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Uttrakhand fauna (animals) and flora (plants)

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http://paradise-kerala.com/blog/kerala-flora-fauna-images/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildlife_of_Kerala

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Enthrall Yourself Under the Beauty of Kerala Flora and Fauna

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Kerala boasts of a wide range of flora and fauna that are housed by some of the unique natural habitats. Endangered species are protected and conserved here through national parks and Wild life sanctuaries